"Jim's Owl" was completed in the summer of 2013 after nearly 3 months of work. Like most of the artists animal series pieces, she is not looking to replicate the animal, but merely show the "essence" of it. Similar to a typical owl which symbolizes wisdom, fierce nature, and a cunning ability to hunt, his outstretched wings prepare him to gracefully fly away or attack if need be. Owls are fearless, and play games to escape danger by blending in with their environment.
Constructed out of metal objects which were given to the artist by her husband and from her family barn, at the heart of the piece is a metal aviation award her husband received many years ago. It is a model of an F-18 jet. It is akin to the soul of the piece and represents Jim's love for aviation as he once flew F-4 Phantoms. Attached to the body's frame are elements to include a golf club, eating utensils, AK-47 rounds, door knobs, engine parts, water heater parts from her father, demilitarized WWII Smith and Wesson frames, electric fence posts from her Grandfather, shelf brackets, horse shoes, hose clamps, a Zippo lighter, Harley Davidson Motorcycle mirrors and air cleaner cover to name a few...
2013 photo taken at Silver Creek Vineyard in Nebo NC at the sculpture unveiling.
Detail of the Owls head and back show Harley parts, a crystal globe, gun grip, antique lawnmower engine, antique spoon provided by her Grandmother.
There are many more items on "Jim's Owl" and each one has its own story to tell. A collection of memories from the past united together, they take on the form of the wise, fearless, courageous owl...which is how she sees the man whom she married.